Back Squat: 220lbs
Deadlift: 307lbs
Mile Run: 7:00
Competes in Olympic Weightlifting and Powerlifting competitions.
Qualified for Spartan Elite (and didn’t die)
CrossFit Level 2 Certification
Over 6 years of CrossFit Experience
Over 2 years as a Personal Trainer
Group Fitness Instructor
Teen Trainer
USA Weightlifting Level 1 Certification
Growing up, I played as many sports as I could get my grimy, little hands on. I loved being outdoors and taking advantage of the incredible California weather. To say I was a “tom-boy” is an understatement. If you saw me without scrapes, scratches, or bruises from climbing pepper trees or kicking a soccer ball around all day long, it was a rarity. I actively continued to play sports into my early 30s.
At age 32, I was unfortunately in a car accident that required a 2-level spinal fusion (L4-L5, S1). I was told by my doctor that it was possible I would never play sports at the same level/intensity I was used to for fear of damaging the disks above and below the fusion. I am not going to lie; his words scared me. I became sedentary for over 15 years for fear of needing additional surgeries. Eventually, I got sick and tired of being a couch surfer. I couldn’t take it anymore. I decided to give a local strength and conditioning gym a try. I can wholeheartedly say it changed my entire life. I quickly determined that movement (any movement) was better than doing nothing at all. Lingering pains from the fusion quickly began to disappear. I was strong again after just 3 months of doing a functional fitness routine. I figured out that strengthening my spine was the key to keeping it safe. Doing nothing was not the key. The athlete that was hidden inside of me resurfaced with a real vengeance.
I believe everyone deserves to have the opportunity to reach their full potential. My own personal experience with the benefits of functional fitness led me to the path to becoming a CrossFit trainer. Training/coaching is a field where learning never stops, and I love this. It is also a profession that allows me to make meaningful differences in the lives of others while also experiencing my own personal and professional growth.
